Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Still.
Hi Bonnie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started volunteering at Wayside Waifs in 2009 by walking small dogs. I would always spend time with the cats in their area afterward. I started to spend more and more time with the cats. The very first cat I interacted with was not happy with me and swatted to let me know. I realized I hadn’t interacted with her the way she needed me to. I kept interacting with her over time, on her terms and I got to know what her preferences were. She eventually would lay in my lap up to half an hour at a time. We gained each other’s trust. This cat taught me the basics of cat behavior – the cat’s needs come before my own and any interaction is up to them. I eventually was fortunate enough to be hired to work at Wayside Waifs, and became their Feline Care Manager. I loved working with the challenging cats. These were the shy/fearful cats or reactive cats. They were no longer in a familiar environment and with the help of staff and trained volunteers we worked to help these cats become adoption candidates. I started taking classes through the Animal Behavior Institute as well as a retention program through the Humane Society of the United States. I earned my Specialized Certificate of Feline Training and Behavior, and started my own consulting business in 2020 called Real World Cat Consulting, LLC.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle was finding clients. I offered mainly virtual consults so that I could be of service to those around the U.S. and/or Canada. Most people when searching for help look within their area. I live in an area where there are a lot of farms and outdoor cats, also. It’s a different mindset. However, over time, some local Veterinarians started to refer me, as well as volunteers. Business has been building since then. I have also since joined some guilds such as IAABC and the Pet Professional Guild, and other consultants have referred clients to me when their case load is full.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Real World Cat Consulting, LLC is mainly a virtual consulting business with the goal of helping families to better understand their cat’s needs. I occasionally will go to someone’s home, however, most times cats will hide and not behave in the way a client might want me to see. Virtually, I meet with a client first to gather the history of the cat – it’s personality, age, health, relationships in the home to their humans and any other pets, find out what the behavioral issue is, and if the cat been examined by a veterinarian. I have mainly dealt with aggression cases, either towards other pets in the home and/or towards humans. Litterbox issues usually are the second most common issue. What sets me apart from others is that I provide a detailed Behavior Modification Plan that is customized for each client. The plan can be flexible if needed, and I provide ongoing support. We meet weekly, virtually, so that I can assess any issues or progress. I offer positive reinforcement exercises that are meant to be short and to be fun.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was quiet and shy. I loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs. I actually only knew of 1 cat that was my best friend’s. I thought I would work with dogs someday, or have a lot of them. I did eventually have my own dog, and he lived with 3 other cats. We were fortunate that they all got along well enough. We did have to do some behavioral work with some of the cats and luckily it all worked out. Both were litterbox/spraying related, so when I have a similar case, I can relate to the clients and what they are dealing with. Besides loving animals, I loved music. I played piano, but I loved listening to 80s music, and going to concerts, hanging out with friends.
Pricing:
- $50 History Gathering session
- $150 Behavior Modification Plan that includes 1 month of ongoing support
- $50 per month if extra guidance and support are needed
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.realworldcatconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realworldcatconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realworldcatconsulting
